Epson Philippines, WWF-Philippines complete Project UPcycle in Siargao, uplifting women in local sewing business

Epson Philippines and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines have completed their latest joint initiative called “Project UPcycle” promoting circular economy through plastic upcycling in the town of Burgos on Siargao Island, home to protected landscapes and seascapes (SIPLAS). The collaborative effort is a significant boost to (A Textile Empowering) A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, a social enterprise uplifting local women through livelihood.

The project further enhanced A.T.E.’s existing plastic upcycling activities by providing new equipment, renovating its recycling facility, and conducting capacity-building workshops.      Project UPcycle has empowered the women of A.T.E. to continue transforming plastic waste into valuable products while generating more income and working towards a greener environment.

“Project UPcycle demonstrates Epson’s commitment to environmental responsibility, increased livelihood, and social responsibility – sustainability pledges that we take seriously as a company,” Epson Philippines President and Director Masako Kusama said. “We are thankful for the chance to support A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, which weaves together these noble causes of sustainability and community empowerment.”

“We decided to bring Project UPcycle to Burgos, Siargao Island as part of our commitment to prevent plastic from leaking into the environment,  sparing  our beautiful, pristine waters from the threat of plastic waste while creating livelihood opportunities for the local community,” WWF-Philippines Project Manager Joeffrey Maglinte  added. “Our advocacy against plastic pollution is a collective effort, and through our partnerships with Epson Philippines and A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, we can make a difference towards a greener environment, one community at a time.”

Recycling Art Studio in Siargao

Through Project UPcycle, A.T.E.’s plastic recycling facility has been transformed into a fully functional Recycling Art Studio. This serves as a hub for collecting, segregating, and processing plastic waste, to be upcycled into eco-filled products such as bean bags, coasters, flowerpots, furniture, keychains, and plastic lumber. Before Project UPcycle, it was an abandoned space of about 100 square meters without a roof and electrical line.

The Recycling Art Studio is also open to receiving recyclables from community members, in exchange for household items such as canned goods, or services like washing machine use. They also provide refillable products as an option.

More equipment, more opportunities

Under Project UPcycle, A.T.E. Sewing Atelier received four additional sewing machines, which increased the enterprise’s production by 27%. The social enterprise’s average monthly income      increased by 76%, from Php280,000 to Php494,000.

The additional equipment allowed A.T.E. to grow its team from 10 to 14 staff members     ,      coming from the local community.

Apart from the sewing machines, the project provided A.T.E. with two (2) laptops and one (1) Epson printer with a scanner, improving  business efficiency.                               

“[The] sewing machines have helped us make more products, especially upcycled items and souvenirs. They also gave others the chance to find steady work to support their families,” said Sanne Davis, the co-founder of Nature Kids of Siargao, the mother organization of A.T.E.     .

Investing in financial literacy, business savvy of local women

Project UPcycle launched two training workshops for 18 employees at A.T.E. The first workshop was  hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Surigao del Norte. The participants were taught how to create a business plan based on their organization’s goals and needs, and bringing their products to the right market.     

The second workshop, hosted by WWF-Philippines, emphasized the importance of savings and personal financial management.  The session also introduced the concept of the Group Savings and Loans Association (GSLA), where participating members can collectively pool their savings and enabling them to have  easy access to loans and social funds.     

“I have learned a lot about marketing, setting goals, and running a business,” Corah, manager at A.T.E. Sewing Atelier, said. “It’s not easy, but through this workshop, I was guided on how to start the right business.”